How does one define moral courage? Which human actions may be defined as morally courageous or mere cowardice? When does an act of moral outrage become a selfish act of pride? Compton Mackenzie, well known British writer, sets out on this uneasy and difficult task to define moral courage in this intellectually stimulating read. Through examples and by citing incidents and situations, Mackenzie's classic looks at the various interpretations of moral courage by eleven moral theologians. Truth, justice, compassion, common sense and self respect are important constituents of moral courage. As the author points out, these can all too easily become self-esteem, egotism, pride, vainglory, and self-will. This book is an intense human behavioural analysis of why we do what we do and what makes us do it. Soldiers on the battlefield, a murder in self defence, a human rights activist's voice in a conservative society, and a journalist's voice against corruption -- moral courage reflects many hues and is imperative for a democratically strong and questioning society.